A1 noun Neutral #2,925 most common

ethics

/ˈeθ.ɪks/

Ethics are rules or beliefs about what is right and wrong. They help people and groups decide how to behave in a good and fair way.

Examples

3 of 5
1

He has strong ethics and never lies to his family.

He has strong ethics and never lies to his family.

2

The committee is discussing the ethics of the new law.

The committee is discussing the ethics of the new law.

3

I like her work ethics because she always does her best.

I like her work ethics because she always does her best.

Word Family

Noun
ethics
Adverb
ethically
Adjective
ethical
Related
ethicist
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'E' in Ethics for 'Evaluating' what is 'Excellent' behavior.

Quick Quiz

The doctor followed medical ___ and kept the patient's information secret.

Correct!

The correct answer is: ethics

Examples

1

He has strong ethics and never lies to his family.

everyday

He has strong ethics and never lies to his family.

2

The committee is discussing the ethics of the new law.

formal

The committee is discussing the ethics of the new law.

3

I like her work ethics because she always does her best.

informal

I like her work ethics because she always does her best.

4

Students learn about ethics in their first year of university.

academic

Students learn about ethics in their first year of university.

5

Our company ethics do not allow us to take expensive gifts.

business

Our company ethics do not allow us to take expensive gifts.

Word Family

Noun
ethics
Adverb
ethically
Adjective
ethical
Related
ethicist

Common Collocations

work ethics work ethics
medical ethics medical ethics
code of ethics code of ethics
professional ethics professional ethics
business ethics business ethics

Common Phrases

a matter of ethics

a matter of ethics

ethical dilemma

ethical dilemma

unethical behavior

unethical behavior

Often Confused With

ethics vs ethnic

Ethnic relates to race or culture, while ethics relates to right and wrong behavior.

ethics vs morals

Morals are often personal beliefs, while ethics are often social or professional rules.

📝

Usage Notes

When talking about the study of right and wrong, 'ethics' is used with a singular verb (Ethics is interesting). When talking about a person's specific principles, it can be plural.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget that 'ethics' ends in 's' but is usually treated as a singular topic, not a plural noun.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'E' in Ethics for 'Evaluating' what is 'Excellent' behavior.

📖

Word Origin

From the Greek word 'ethos', which means character or custom.

Grammar Patterns

usually followed by a singular verb when referring to the field of study non-count noun in many contexts can be used as an attributive noun (e.g., ethics committee)
🌍

Cultural Context

In many Western countries, businesses have a written 'Code of Ethics' that all employees must follow.

Quick Quiz

The doctor followed medical ___ and kept the patient's information secret.

Correct!

The correct answer is: ethics

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